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What about Free Will?: Reconciling Our Choices with God's Sovereignty
Most say that if God were absolutely sovereign, human beings would be incapable of free and responsible choices. But is this what the Bible says? Free will is a complex topic, but the Bible is God’s absolute sovereignty exists alongside our free, responsible choices. Only one view, compatibilism, fully embraces this truth.Making a fresh, scriptural case for compatibilism, Scott Christensen explains the issues involved and addresses arguments on both sides. His absorbing pastoral analysis will help you to develop a new appreciation for the role your choices play in God’s sovereign plans and to better understand the Bible’s views on evil and suffering, prayer, evangelism, sanctification, and more.“A clear, intelligent, immensely helpful overview of one of the most confusing conundrums in all of theology. . . . Scott Christensen doesn’t sidestep the hard questions. The answers he gives are thoughtful, biblical, satisfying, and refreshingly coherent. Lay readers and seasoned theologians alike will treasure this work.”—John F. MacArthur, Grace Community Church“Careful in description and argument . . . eminently readable. . . . Most important of all, this book breathes a spirit of wonder and gratitude before the face of a God who is not only all-powerful but good.”—Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary California“Many think that free will is the silver-bullet answer to some of theology’s most difficult questions. But do we have a free will? Short it depends on what you mean by ‘free.’ Long read this book.”—Andrew Naselli, Bethlehem College and SeminaryScott Christensen (M.Div., The Master’s Seminary) is pastor of Summit Lake Community Church in Mancos, Colorado.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 8, 2024
My closest people know I’ve been walking through what I call “a free will crisis” lol. I’ve been wrestling deeply with what I think about my ability to mess up my life, whether or not I trust myself, if God will let me make the wrong decisions, and what happens if I do.
This book spoke to every thought/fear/doubt I’ve been grappling with (and then some!). It’s a complex theological book, which I love. I feel deeply grateful for the author’s wisdom and words, which God has used to help me know Him — and love Him — more deeply. I can’t recommend this book enough, especially if you find yourself wrestling like I have been!
I also love how this book talks about freedom in terms of salvation / the Gospel. “To be unshackled from the authority of God is not freedom. To be released from the authority of God’s Word is to invite bondage of the worst sort.” Aka bondage to sin. Instead, “true freedom consists in knowing the best and right choices, in being unhindered in making them, and in experiencing the greatest joy when we do make them.” Freedom is in Christ!!
(& just a note: this book argues for a Calvinist perspective on free will)
This book spoke to every thought/fear/doubt I’ve been grappling with (and then some!). It’s a complex theological book, which I love. I feel deeply grateful for the author’s wisdom and words, which God has used to help me know Him — and love Him — more deeply. I can’t recommend this book enough, especially if you find yourself wrestling like I have been!
I also love how this book talks about freedom in terms of salvation / the Gospel. “To be unshackled from the authority of God is not freedom. To be released from the authority of God’s Word is to invite bondage of the worst sort.” Aka bondage to sin. Instead, “true freedom consists in knowing the best and right choices, in being unhindered in making them, and in experiencing the greatest joy when we do make them.” Freedom is in Christ!!
(& just a note: this book argues for a Calvinist perspective on free will)
June 8, 2023
I’m on the lookout for the best biblical defense of what is commonly know as compatibilism. This did not disappoint at all. Christensen does a valiant job at biblically defending this perspective while at the same time refuting libertarian freedom. I commend it!
March 22, 2018
I was ultimately disappointed by this book. Christensen does a decent job of covering the many questions that come up in soteriology and often uses scripture to ground his claims both for Calvinism and against Arminianism. He even acknowledges scriptures which seem to support Arminianism or contradict Calvinism. However, it is what is left unsaid that leaves me disappointed. His first omission is that "classical" Arminianism is the only alternative considered to Calvinism. Given that Christensen cites William Lane Craig's works several times in the book, I really wish he had addressed Molinism as well. Geisler's Thomism gets a brief cameo, but it is so brief that it isn't even differentiated from Arminianism. My point here is that the author doesn't go very far at all in exploring alternative views.
Secondly, his examination of classical Arminianism is simplistic. Christensen spends 40 pages (from page 12 to 52) examining libertarian free will (LFW), concluding that it is biblically unwarranted and philosophically unsound. But surely 40 pages is not enough to accomplish this. For example, when Christensen examines the nature of human decisions, they are presented either as determined but voluntary (in Compatabilism) or arbitrary (in LFW). But no proponent of LFW would concede that human decisions are arbitrary. Christensen does not provide any rebuttal on behalf of LFW to develop their view further. This is just asserted. The points Christensen establishes in these 40 pages are reiterated throughout the remainder of the book, so I wish he had spent more time wrestling with LFW. Ultimately, I felt Christensen's portrayal of LFW was a straw man because he didn't give it enough room to defend itself.
Thirdly, Christensen's examination of Calvinism was lacking.on several key points. He asserts that LFW is unsound because the power of contrary choice is absurd. But what about with God? Surely God had this power to either create this world or not. And if so, then LFW is not absurd. If compatabilism is the only game in town, then God must have been determined by his own nature to create exactly this world. This difficulty is never mentioned. Similarly, Christensen makes the argument that we will be truly free in Heaven such that we will be unable to sin. But if this so, how did Satan and one third of the angels manage to sin while there? Again, this difficulty is not acknowledged.
The last major oversight by Christensen is that he does not address why humans always voluntarily choose to do what God determined for them. He has a whole chapter named Why We Do the Things We Do, yet he never explains why humans WANT to do exactly the things God (secretively) wants them to do. The obvious difficulty here is that God also meticulously controls human desires per Calvinism. And if all human desires are completely under God's causal control, then why does the voluntary nature of human decisions matter? Voluntary decisions shouldn't be culpable if the desires governing human inclinations are also meticulously controlled. Humans cannot but want to do what God secretly wants them to do. How is human culpability fair in this arrangement? Christensen never acknowledges this difficulty.
Secondly, his examination of classical Arminianism is simplistic. Christensen spends 40 pages (from page 12 to 52) examining libertarian free will (LFW), concluding that it is biblically unwarranted and philosophically unsound. But surely 40 pages is not enough to accomplish this. For example, when Christensen examines the nature of human decisions, they are presented either as determined but voluntary (in Compatabilism) or arbitrary (in LFW). But no proponent of LFW would concede that human decisions are arbitrary. Christensen does not provide any rebuttal on behalf of LFW to develop their view further. This is just asserted. The points Christensen establishes in these 40 pages are reiterated throughout the remainder of the book, so I wish he had spent more time wrestling with LFW. Ultimately, I felt Christensen's portrayal of LFW was a straw man because he didn't give it enough room to defend itself.
Thirdly, Christensen's examination of Calvinism was lacking.on several key points. He asserts that LFW is unsound because the power of contrary choice is absurd. But what about with God? Surely God had this power to either create this world or not. And if so, then LFW is not absurd. If compatabilism is the only game in town, then God must have been determined by his own nature to create exactly this world. This difficulty is never mentioned. Similarly, Christensen makes the argument that we will be truly free in Heaven such that we will be unable to sin. But if this so, how did Satan and one third of the angels manage to sin while there? Again, this difficulty is not acknowledged.
The last major oversight by Christensen is that he does not address why humans always voluntarily choose to do what God determined for them. He has a whole chapter named Why We Do the Things We Do, yet he never explains why humans WANT to do exactly the things God (secretively) wants them to do. The obvious difficulty here is that God also meticulously controls human desires per Calvinism. And if all human desires are completely under God's causal control, then why does the voluntary nature of human decisions matter? Voluntary decisions shouldn't be culpable if the desires governing human inclinations are also meticulously controlled. Humans cannot but want to do what God secretly wants them to do. How is human culpability fair in this arrangement? Christensen never acknowledges this difficulty.
December 4, 2024
An approachable, albeit deceptively befuddling introduction to the relation of our will and God's.
This book, written by a Baptist heavily influenced by a Congregationalist, with a forward from a Presbyterian was assigned reading in my Anglican lay education class. Yet despite the ecumenical Odyssey that brought it into my hands, I think it could have been a bit clearer. Christensen could have benefited greatly from just being honest with his readers acknowledging that these concepts are paradoxical but instead he tries to insist that they're not really.
To be clear, I share his exact same perspective and have studied it at a graduate level, and I found my own brain being forced into a pretzel as he seemed to imply that it was really quite straightforward.
But that's a bit harsh and it was a good book.
This book, written by a Baptist heavily influenced by a Congregationalist, with a forward from a Presbyterian was assigned reading in my Anglican lay education class. Yet despite the ecumenical Odyssey that brought it into my hands, I think it could have been a bit clearer. Christensen could have benefited greatly from just being honest with his readers acknowledging that these concepts are paradoxical but instead he tries to insist that they're not really.
To be clear, I share his exact same perspective and have studied it at a graduate level, and I found my own brain being forced into a pretzel as he seemed to imply that it was really quite straightforward.
But that's a bit harsh and it was a good book.
April 25, 2025
If the libertarian definition of free will is correct, then God is limited in his sovereignty. On the other had, if the compatibilist view of man's will is correct, then it not only is compatible with a robust view of divine sovereignty, but also preserves human freedom and responsibility.
Overall, a good resource, especially if you're interested in the philosophical arguments surrounding free will vs. divine sovereignty. Chapters include summary, glossary, study questions, and additional resources that are quite helpful. I also appreciate Christensen's thoughtful discussion and scriptural references. But for me, philosophy sometimes leads down a rabbit hole that goes beyond what I actually need to understand. That's probably the case here.
Overall, a good resource, especially if you're interested in the philosophical arguments surrounding free will vs. divine sovereignty. Chapters include summary, glossary, study questions, and additional resources that are quite helpful. I also appreciate Christensen's thoughtful discussion and scriptural references. But for me, philosophy sometimes leads down a rabbit hole that goes beyond what I actually need to understand. That's probably the case here.
August 30, 2025
I loved this book! while it was extremely dense and at times difficult to understand. It enhanced my understanding of choices we make and how the Lord’s Will remains sovereign in that freedom. I definitely recommend!
January 6, 2021
This is an excellent examination of human freedom - what is free will? Does it exist? What does it mean that people are responsible for their actions if God is sovereign?
Scott Christensen presents a biblical response to these questions focussed on all areas of life not just a narrow discussion of why some people are saved and not all (though he does address that point briefly).
This book lays out a framework for understanding these issues called compatibilism, God is absolutely sovereign and yet we remain responsible for our actions not because we could have done something different BUT because what we do accords with who we are.
If this is a topic that bothers you or that you want to understand in detail this book is an excellent place to go. This is not a light read BUT it's not a really heavy read either it's somewhere in the middle.
Scott Christensen presents a biblical response to these questions focussed on all areas of life not just a narrow discussion of why some people are saved and not all (though he does address that point briefly).
This book lays out a framework for understanding these issues called compatibilism, God is absolutely sovereign and yet we remain responsible for our actions not because we could have done something different BUT because what we do accords with who we are.
If this is a topic that bothers you or that you want to understand in detail this book is an excellent place to go. This is not a light read BUT it's not a really heavy read either it's somewhere in the middle.
July 5, 2023
While compatibilism is likely the best candidate for reconciling divine sovereignty and human freedom, its Achilles heel is its inability to explain the origin of evil in Adam or Satan's fall. It seems compatibilism must yet borrow something from libertarianism to fully explain the moral nature of the the universe. It can assert 'mystery' on the question of Adam's fall, but then a libertarian may as well assert 'mystery' on how the power of contrary choice, alternative possibilities or indeterminate choice can be foreknown by God, or be morally worthy. I feel both systems are simply asserting mystery in those places where their logic leads them to absurd or unwanted dead-ends.
March 22, 2016
The debate over the compatibility of God's sovereignty and man's free will is one which has been around for a while. We know that it was a debate among the ancient Greeks and my suspicion is that it dates back even further than that. It's one of life's big questions and a question which most people will ponder at some point in their life. Needless to say a lot has been written on the topic. From a theological perspective, most of these books focus on what it means when scripture speaks of God predestining some to eternal life. However, as far as I am aware, there haven't been too many books which focus primarily on the other side of the coin - the question of free will. That is what Scott Christensen takes up in this book and he does so with care and acute attention to detail.
In What About Free Will, Scott Christensen frames the discussion in terms of compatibilism (the view that God's sovereignty and our free will are compatible) and libertarianism (the view that our free will is free from any and all outside influences including our desires). For those who wish to frame these definitions in more familiar categories, compatibilism is the Reformed or Calvinistic view and libertarianism is the non-Reformed or Arminian view. You will want to know that Christensen approaches the discussion from a Reformed and Calvinistic perspective. More specifically, he approaches the issue of free will from the perspective of Jonathon Edwards in his great work, Freedom of the Will in which Edwards argues that we always choose freely according to the strongest impulse (desire, motivation, reason, etc) that we possess in that moment. So while we are free we are also bound to what our mind believes is the greatest good. We will not act contrary to that motive. This view allows for our free will to interact with God's determining work in the world since we will always choose according to our greatest desire.
I found Christensen to be very convincing. To be fair, I hold to a Reformed soteriology so it wasn't a great stretch for me by anyone's standard. However, his careful reasoning and ample Biblical support are enough to cause anyone (regardless of where they started) to see that determinism and free will can and do work together in our daily lives and in our spiritual lives.
The organization and structure of the book help to make this a very coherent read. I never once felt as if Christensen had left me behind while following some wild tangent to nowhere. He stayed on track and the book followed the logical flow of his argument. He starts off by defining the libertarian view and the weaknesses that are inherent in the view. For instance, can we really say that we are so free that absolutely nothing influences our decisions? Can we choose contrary to what we value most? If we say we can, are we not just following a stronger impulse (perhaps even the desire to prove that we can choose contrary to our impulse)? In order to prove this, the libertarian would have to demonstrate that a choice was completely free of any outside influences; that it was truly random and not caused.This is a tall (if not impossible) order. There are other weaknesses to libertarianism of course, and Christensen handles them with ease while remaining fair and true to their own arguments. This is perhaps one of the most impressive things about the book: Christensen is very generous toward the opposing position and uses quotes and arguments from Arminians liberally and fairly.
Next, Christensen supplies plenty of Biblical examples of God's determinism and leaves the reader with no doubt that scripture speaks of God as a God who is sovereign over all of life. He then moves to demonstrate how it is that God's sovereignty can co-exist with human freedom and provides a good case for compatibilism. This is followed by two wonderful chapters on why good things happen and why bad things happen. It is here where Christensen begins to shine as he takes real issues and starts to flesh out how compatibilism works in the real world of human affairs. This is all done using practical and real world examples so that the reader can begin to see how compatibilism makes sense in every day life.
My favorite feature of What About Free Will is the way in which Christensen concludes each chapter with a concise summary, study questions, a glossary, and a list of resources for further study. This allows the reader to not only revisit the principles taught in the chapter, but to also explore the issues discussed at greater lengths by being directed to the writings of other people who have tackled similar issues.
I love the idea of using this book as a way to sharpen your understanding of how God's sovereignty and our free will work hand in hand. What About Free Will is a book that you will want to keep on your "favorites" shelf to reference often. It is easily understandable and written in such a way that your high school aged child can follow. It will certainly enrich his or her faith. I would highly recommend it as a part of a homeschooling theology curriculum as a substitute for Edwards' Freedom of the Will if your child finds Edwards a bit difficult to read (quite frankly. . . he is!) or perhaps as a precursor to introduce the basic thoughts and ideas prior to tackling Edwards. I am thankful for the opportunity to have read What About Free Will and am confident that it has made me a clearer thinker when it comes to grappling with issues of divine sovereignty and human freedom.
Click here to search Amazon for the best price on What About Free Will
This review first appeared on my blog at http://www.teleiaphilia.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In What About Free Will, Scott Christensen frames the discussion in terms of compatibilism (the view that God's sovereignty and our free will are compatible) and libertarianism (the view that our free will is free from any and all outside influences including our desires). For those who wish to frame these definitions in more familiar categories, compatibilism is the Reformed or Calvinistic view and libertarianism is the non-Reformed or Arminian view. You will want to know that Christensen approaches the discussion from a Reformed and Calvinistic perspective. More specifically, he approaches the issue of free will from the perspective of Jonathon Edwards in his great work, Freedom of the Will in which Edwards argues that we always choose freely according to the strongest impulse (desire, motivation, reason, etc) that we possess in that moment. So while we are free we are also bound to what our mind believes is the greatest good. We will not act contrary to that motive. This view allows for our free will to interact with God's determining work in the world since we will always choose according to our greatest desire.
I found Christensen to be very convincing. To be fair, I hold to a Reformed soteriology so it wasn't a great stretch for me by anyone's standard. However, his careful reasoning and ample Biblical support are enough to cause anyone (regardless of where they started) to see that determinism and free will can and do work together in our daily lives and in our spiritual lives.
The organization and structure of the book help to make this a very coherent read. I never once felt as if Christensen had left me behind while following some wild tangent to nowhere. He stayed on track and the book followed the logical flow of his argument. He starts off by defining the libertarian view and the weaknesses that are inherent in the view. For instance, can we really say that we are so free that absolutely nothing influences our decisions? Can we choose contrary to what we value most? If we say we can, are we not just following a stronger impulse (perhaps even the desire to prove that we can choose contrary to our impulse)? In order to prove this, the libertarian would have to demonstrate that a choice was completely free of any outside influences; that it was truly random and not caused.This is a tall (if not impossible) order. There are other weaknesses to libertarianism of course, and Christensen handles them with ease while remaining fair and true to their own arguments. This is perhaps one of the most impressive things about the book: Christensen is very generous toward the opposing position and uses quotes and arguments from Arminians liberally and fairly.
Next, Christensen supplies plenty of Biblical examples of God's determinism and leaves the reader with no doubt that scripture speaks of God as a God who is sovereign over all of life. He then moves to demonstrate how it is that God's sovereignty can co-exist with human freedom and provides a good case for compatibilism. This is followed by two wonderful chapters on why good things happen and why bad things happen. It is here where Christensen begins to shine as he takes real issues and starts to flesh out how compatibilism works in the real world of human affairs. This is all done using practical and real world examples so that the reader can begin to see how compatibilism makes sense in every day life.
My favorite feature of What About Free Will is the way in which Christensen concludes each chapter with a concise summary, study questions, a glossary, and a list of resources for further study. This allows the reader to not only revisit the principles taught in the chapter, but to also explore the issues discussed at greater lengths by being directed to the writings of other people who have tackled similar issues.
I love the idea of using this book as a way to sharpen your understanding of how God's sovereignty and our free will work hand in hand. What About Free Will is a book that you will want to keep on your "favorites" shelf to reference often. It is easily understandable and written in such a way that your high school aged child can follow. It will certainly enrich his or her faith. I would highly recommend it as a part of a homeschooling theology curriculum as a substitute for Edwards' Freedom of the Will if your child finds Edwards a bit difficult to read (quite frankly. . . he is!) or perhaps as a precursor to introduce the basic thoughts and ideas prior to tackling Edwards. I am thankful for the opportunity to have read What About Free Will and am confident that it has made me a clearer thinker when it comes to grappling with issues of divine sovereignty and human freedom.
Click here to search Amazon for the best price on What About Free Will
This review first appeared on my blog at http://www.teleiaphilia.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 8, 2023
"How can God direct the path of human history, and yet humans remain free to choose their own course of action?" Christensen clearly and accurately addresses the so-called problem of human free will and God's sovereignty. In the process libertarianism is completely dismantled, and compatibilism is fortified. Highly recommend.
Notable chapters: Assessing the Whys of Libertarianism, How Big Is Your God?, Why We Do the Things We Do, and Absolute Freedom.
Notable chapters: Assessing the Whys of Libertarianism, How Big Is Your God?, Why We Do the Things We Do, and Absolute Freedom.
December 20, 2017
An excellent book dealing with God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. It stretched me, was challenging to read at times and yet greatly rewarding.
November 3, 2024
Well researched book on the subject. I felt like it was a bit dense and hard to read in the early chapters but became more fluid and easy to understand near the end.
October 28, 2025
The best, most Biblically faithful and clear book I have ever read on Free Will and God's Sovereignty. I appreciate the laser-like focus on God's Word as Christenson addresses a topic where most divulge into philosophical musings. This is a "must read" category and it comes with wonderful study guide questions for each chapter if you want to do a group study.
December 30, 2016
A great look at compatibilism--the Biblical teaching that God has fully ordained all that happens, both good and bad, while humans are still responsible for their (freely made) actions. Basically, God is the primary but distant cause of all that occurs, while humans are the secondary but immediate cause. And humans always choose according to their strongest desires. So they have "free will" because they always freely choose what they would have chosen in any given situation, but they do not have the power to choose otherwise (hence libertarianism is false when it comes to theology). Christensen's book covers these Calvinist/Arminian (aka compatibilist/libertarian) differences, and spends a great deal of time discussing why humans choose what they do (it's ultimately to fulfill God's will, but it involves outside influences, our desires, and, ultimately, our wills).
This book is a great balance of depth and accessibility. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know if we have free will! It certainly adjusted my thoughts. I used to think that believers had free will but unbelievers did not; now I realize that everyone has the will to choose what they most desire--but those desires change when men and women are regenerated. And yet, all choices fall in line with God's will, regardless of the rationale.
This book is a great balance of depth and accessibility. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know if we have free will! It certainly adjusted my thoughts. I used to think that believers had free will but unbelievers did not; now I realize that everyone has the will to choose what they most desire--but those desires change when men and women are regenerated. And yet, all choices fall in line with God's will, regardless of the rationale.
November 30, 2020
This part of this book was Appendix A where Christensen breaks down the differences between Libertarian and Compatible Free Will. Over all this book was underwhelming, and in attempts to avoid proclaiming fatalism he gives generic and nuanced answers to the question “what about free will?”. This would be a good book for someone who wants to want their tongue in the discussion as Christensen walks through biblical passages concerning God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, but I may say for deeper study one should go to a systematic theology by Grudem or Frame or Calvin’s Institutes. For another introduction I’d recommend “Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God” by J.I. Packer.
November 9, 2024
Are We Free to Choose, Predestined, or Somehow Both?
Some theological concepts or doctrines are essential to the Christian faith. Others sometimes are deemed distinctive, a lower consideration, especially as it relates to differences between denominations. They are important, but subject to distinctive interpretations, and potentially valid as long as those interpretations are Scripturally sound. God’s specific revelation in Scripture isn’t always indisputably clear in all its details, but it’s always necessary and sufficient. Perhaps God’s purpose is to make us ponder more deeply His nature and will for us. The seemingly fundamental disagreement on the concepts of libertarian free will (Wesleyan or Arminian) and God’s absolute sovereignty through predestination (Reformed or Calvinism) seems to be such a distinctive, particularly considering the wise and prominent individuals and arguments on both sides.
In his excellent book, “What About Free Will?”, pastor Scott Christensen takes a compatibilist approach, effectively explaining why God’s sovereignty in predestination is compatible with free will, as properly understood. As such, of course, he espouses the Calvinist understanding, although not hyper-Calvinism as is often the caricature, and is critical of the Arminian libertarian understanding. But he does so with gentleness and respect that too often is absent from the debate.
Crucial to his argument is the fact that free will itself is often misunderstood. The clear fact is that we make all choices based on influences and our innate belief in what is most beneficial to us. So, whether those influences came from experience, culture, or even God, our choices are not free in an absolute sense. We, and all our choices, are a product of shaping factors. Yet, we are fully responsible for our choices, because we make them freely and without coercion. Christensen convincingly (and Scripturally) argues that in our fallen state the only factor that can influence us into choosing God’s gift of grace is His regenerative saving action, which is from Him alone, without our effort. From that comes conversion as an irresistible response.
Christensen’s introduction to this fascinating topic is thorough, helpful, and easily grasped. Each chapter of “What About Free Will?” concludes with a helpful summary, usually a glossary of key concepts, and study questions, making it ideal for group discussion. Christensen anticipated most of my questions (e.g., how the nature of the Fall itself was different from our present fallen nature and need for regeneration was clarified 50 pages later using Augustine). An appendix offers a helpful comparison of compatibilism versus libertarianism. A shortcoming is that God’s sovereign choice of His elect begs for greater attention, as this is a key stumbling block for the Arminian viewpoint of prevenient grace. In fact, the full glossary at the end of the book excludes entries for “chosen” or “elect” (but includes “prevenient grace”).
But, make no mistake, this is an excellent book that I encourage you to choose to read.
Some theological concepts or doctrines are essential to the Christian faith. Others sometimes are deemed distinctive, a lower consideration, especially as it relates to differences between denominations. They are important, but subject to distinctive interpretations, and potentially valid as long as those interpretations are Scripturally sound. God’s specific revelation in Scripture isn’t always indisputably clear in all its details, but it’s always necessary and sufficient. Perhaps God’s purpose is to make us ponder more deeply His nature and will for us. The seemingly fundamental disagreement on the concepts of libertarian free will (Wesleyan or Arminian) and God’s absolute sovereignty through predestination (Reformed or Calvinism) seems to be such a distinctive, particularly considering the wise and prominent individuals and arguments on both sides.
In his excellent book, “What About Free Will?”, pastor Scott Christensen takes a compatibilist approach, effectively explaining why God’s sovereignty in predestination is compatible with free will, as properly understood. As such, of course, he espouses the Calvinist understanding, although not hyper-Calvinism as is often the caricature, and is critical of the Arminian libertarian understanding. But he does so with gentleness and respect that too often is absent from the debate.
Crucial to his argument is the fact that free will itself is often misunderstood. The clear fact is that we make all choices based on influences and our innate belief in what is most beneficial to us. So, whether those influences came from experience, culture, or even God, our choices are not free in an absolute sense. We, and all our choices, are a product of shaping factors. Yet, we are fully responsible for our choices, because we make them freely and without coercion. Christensen convincingly (and Scripturally) argues that in our fallen state the only factor that can influence us into choosing God’s gift of grace is His regenerative saving action, which is from Him alone, without our effort. From that comes conversion as an irresistible response.
Christensen’s introduction to this fascinating topic is thorough, helpful, and easily grasped. Each chapter of “What About Free Will?” concludes with a helpful summary, usually a glossary of key concepts, and study questions, making it ideal for group discussion. Christensen anticipated most of my questions (e.g., how the nature of the Fall itself was different from our present fallen nature and need for regeneration was clarified 50 pages later using Augustine). An appendix offers a helpful comparison of compatibilism versus libertarianism. A shortcoming is that God’s sovereign choice of His elect begs for greater attention, as this is a key stumbling block for the Arminian viewpoint of prevenient grace. In fact, the full glossary at the end of the book excludes entries for “chosen” or “elect” (but includes “prevenient grace”).
But, make no mistake, this is an excellent book that I encourage you to choose to read.
January 11, 2024
Other than the subject of God and evil, probably one of the more frequently asked questions about God would be in regard to free will (human freedom).
Scott Christensen does a great job of addressing the issue, laying out both the Compatibilist view and the Libertarian view. Christensen, in my option, also does an excellent job with his explanation of human freedom and God’s sovereignty (determinism) existing together. To offer a fair comparison, Christensen also gives full weight in dealing with the ideas of Libertarian free will.
If this is a subject that interest you, I would recommend this book. It is well done, and touches on different scenarios to compare the two views. It is not an overly academic book, so everyone should be able to read, and follow, with the case Christensen makes. I would highly recommend this book.
I would also recommend Christensen’s follow up book, “What about Evil” as a companion book to “What about Free Will”. Both are excellent.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
Scott Christensen does a great job of addressing the issue, laying out both the Compatibilist view and the Libertarian view. Christensen, in my option, also does an excellent job with his explanation of human freedom and God’s sovereignty (determinism) existing together. To offer a fair comparison, Christensen also gives full weight in dealing with the ideas of Libertarian free will.
If this is a subject that interest you, I would recommend this book. It is well done, and touches on different scenarios to compare the two views. It is not an overly academic book, so everyone should be able to read, and follow, with the case Christensen makes. I would highly recommend this book.
I would also recommend Christensen’s follow up book, “What about Evil” as a companion book to “What about Free Will”. Both are excellent.
“Take up and Read” - Saint Augustine
September 2, 2025
Free will and God’s sovereignty—it’s a debate that often makes people feel like they’re just rowing in circles on the bay. A lot of effort, but no real progress. However, Christensen takes that confusing discussion and makes the horizon clearer.
He advocates for compatibilism—the idea that God is completely sovereign while our choices remain real and meaningful. If “libertarian” free will were true, it would undermine God’s sovereignty. Instead, Christensen shows how Scripture depicts a better picture: our freedom and God’s plan aren’t opposing forces—they actually complement each other.
This isn’t just abstract theory. It’s deeply pastoral and reassuring. Reading it felt like standing on the Maine coast, watching the tide—you can't control the ocean, but your steps along the shore still matter.
My Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered whether your choices matter in God’s plan, this book is worth reading.
He advocates for compatibilism—the idea that God is completely sovereign while our choices remain real and meaningful. If “libertarian” free will were true, it would undermine God’s sovereignty. Instead, Christensen shows how Scripture depicts a better picture: our freedom and God’s plan aren’t opposing forces—they actually complement each other.
This isn’t just abstract theory. It’s deeply pastoral and reassuring. Reading it felt like standing on the Maine coast, watching the tide—you can't control the ocean, but your steps along the shore still matter.
My Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered whether your choices matter in God’s plan, this book is worth reading.
December 31, 2018
While this did take me almost an entire year to finish the book that speaks more against me than the book. This book does a fantastic job of covering such a complicated subject. My book has more stuff underlined than not. I would have to put it down to think on what I read for a couple pages and that's really a testament to the author.
This is the primary book I would recommend on the subject and covers it extremely well. Just when I think the book should be over, the next chapter or section would cover some other part of the topic I hadn't considered before. Another great point is that Christensen presents the arguments from the other side in a fair and even tone. He doesn't resort to ad hominem attacks. It was a joy to read this book and the only frustration was with myself. Take it slow and digest it at your own pace. Final Grade - A+
This is the primary book I would recommend on the subject and covers it extremely well. Just when I think the book should be over, the next chapter or section would cover some other part of the topic I hadn't considered before. Another great point is that Christensen presents the arguments from the other side in a fair and even tone. He doesn't resort to ad hominem attacks. It was a joy to read this book and the only frustration was with myself. Take it slow and digest it at your own pace. Final Grade - A+
December 23, 2017
The debate over God's Sovereignty and man's free will can best be addressed by Compatabilism. Scott Christensen does a tremendous job of clearly defining terms, theology, and biblical citation to help us understand the heart of this discussion. I have many dear Brothers in Christ that are all over the map when it comes to this matter and this author has proved beyond a doubt that one can reason together in brotherly love and get to the heart of the matter. I am a firm believer that Scripture is clear on both God's Sovereignty and man's responsibility, and this book can help you settle the matter of how they work together in your heart and mind. I wish I could get some of my friends who lean heavily on the Libertarian (free-will) side of the debate to read this work. Great stuff here!
February 18, 2021
A very well done book. Could be highly valuable among life groups or discipleship discussions. We must know how accurately to describe the words “free” and “will” before we are to use them. This book will help you in that path.
For all of us should cry as Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Like Paul we can triumphantly proclaim, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
For all of us should cry as Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
Like Paul we can triumphantly proclaim, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
December 14, 2025
An insightful look at the scriptures to better understand “does free will exist?” While it takes a while to build the argument, the book does logically present a case for the sovereignty of God that is convincing to those willing to be convinced.
This book stresses the individual roles man and God plays and does a good job separating our preconceived notions of free will from what the scriptures have to say. A great read for anyone seriously considering the sovereignty of God.
This book stresses the individual roles man and God plays and does a good job separating our preconceived notions of free will from what the scriptures have to say. A great read for anyone seriously considering the sovereignty of God.
June 3, 2020
This is a great read that I think balances the complete sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. The whole time while reading this book I kept thinking about Spurgeon when he was asked about reconciling God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility and he answered you don’t reconcile friends. This books shows how those two things fit together to bring about God’s grand plan.
December 19, 2024
Exceptional. This was pastoral and comprehensive. He draws from Calvin, Augustine, and Turretin which was extremely helpful for me. This book served as good research for my forthcoming book on Free Will which I hope to be a strong introduction and written at the lay level. If you want to follow my updates on my project, go here: johnnyzacchio.com
December 25, 2023
Best on The Topic
Wonderfully exposed topic. Highly recommended.
He exposed Free Will, Compatibilism and the conflict of free agency.
He explores the conflict from which none of any system can escape.
Wonderfully exposed topic. Highly recommended.
He exposed Free Will, Compatibilism and the conflict of free agency.
He explores the conflict from which none of any system can escape.
August 15, 2017
An excellent look at Calvinism
December 12, 2017
Great book!!! Lots of books out there that deal with the idea of election, very few are as balanced as this. Highly recommended, you do not have to be a theologian to get this book.
July 14, 2020
Excellent treatment of the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's choices.
January 30, 2022
An easy to read book that will clear up many muddy waters in the free will vs sovereignty debate.
January 19, 2024
Fantastic book
If you’re struggling with the idea of how God works His will in and through human’s / human activity give this book a read.
If you’re struggling with the idea of how God works His will in and through human’s / human activity give this book a read.
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